Safe city project: Gilgit gets 285 security cameras to monitor streets

Officials will be able to monitor live feeds at central control room even at night

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan government has installed 285 high-resolution cameras with night vision capability throughout the city as part of the “safe city” project.

The project was inaugurated just a day ahead of Ashura, considered to be one of the most sensitive days for the city.

“We are happy that the project has been complete at the right time,” said G-B chief minister Hafeezur Rehman after he inaugurated the project.

Force commander FCNA Maj Gen Saqib Mehmood, G-B chief secretary, IGP Zafar Iqbal Awan, Minister for Works Dr Iqbal and other senior police and administration were also present on the occasion.

Rehman said that equipment for the project was procured in a transparent manner while the project was completed in just four months.

The cameras, which are part of the security plan for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, have night vision capabilities, can auto focus and store recordings for up to four months. The cameras can also detect number plates of vehicles roaming in the city, even during night.

“We have setup seven different control rooms under the project,” said IGP Awan while briefing the chief minister and force commander. “But the central control room is in police lines.”

In the central control room, IGP Awan said, there were 20 large displays to monitor live feeds from these cameras including from the jail, the CM office, G-B assembly, FCNA and the Supreme appellate court.

“Entry in the control room will be for authorised personnel through biometric systems,” the control room’s in charge disclosed.

Cleanliness drive

Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department has started a cleanliness drive to sensitise the tourists about proper disposal of the trash at picnic spots and resorts.

Teams of volunteers comprising university and college students will lead the campaign.

These teams will visit various tourist spots to start cleanliness campaigns in collaboration with the local people.

Further, a top official of the G-B government said that they have engaged artists to paint walls of the main towns to portray different designs aimed at beautifying the area.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2016.